Navajo to Explore Community Participation in School Board Elections

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly signed legislation that would extend the terms of school boards members of tribally controlled schools on the Navajo Nation.

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President Shelly originally vetoed legislation CMY-38-12 stating that the legislation didn't address larger concerns regarding community participation for school board openings.

According to the memo sent to Speaker Johnny Naize on July 6 after the signing of the legislation, President Shelly stated that Human, Education, and Human Services Committee, the Election Office and the Department of Diné Education are coming together to address President Shelly’s concern.

“The parties agreed to formulate a joint sub¬committee to explore and come up with a better plan to address the school board vacancy problem and examine the lack of interest from the community to participate in these elected positions,”

President Shelly wrote.

The legislation would amend portions of Navajo Election Code regarding school board candidate qualifications.

“I appreciate the collaboration of the Human, Education, and Human Services Committee and the other parties to proactively address this matter,”

President Shelly wrote.

posted July 11, 2012 7:00 am edt